The next generation of dancers: How the Louisville Ballet Summer Intensive trains for greatness

Young dancers clad in black leotards pattered gently across the stage to their places.

The auditorium at The Ogle Center at IU Southeast in New Albany was completely silent, aside from the words of guest instructor, Lauren Anderson, a former principal dancer with the Houston Ballet who is teaching classes this summer at the Louisville Ballet Summer Intensive.

When she stopped speaking and cued the pianist, she smiled. The students returned that smile as the practice began.

The audition-based program allows aspiring dancers to train like professionals, hone their technique, and build strength "within an inclusive, encouraging, and motivating environment," according to the Louisville Ballet website.

The 2024 class is comprised of students from 26 different states who are taught by Louisville Ballet instructors and guest teachers, including Anderson, who returned to teach in the program for the second year, saying she felt "this is where I should be."

Anderson became the first Black principal dancer at Houston Ballet and is one of the few Black ballerinas at the head of a major ballet company. She knows hard work on the stage and says that while the Summer Intensive is challenging for the students, the hard work pays off in more than one way.

"This type of training helps the pathways in the brain with organization and problem-solving," Anderson said. "It's almost like science and math. What's got to go through the air in the space in the time of the music, how quick or how slow and that's organization and problem-solving."

Both Anderson and Christy Kreiger, the principal at the Louisville Ballet School, believe in investing in the arts and the future of dancers through programs like the Summer Intensive.

"Art is everything that we do. If you are watching Netflix, that is art. That's creative thinking and problem-solving. Art accesses all of your systems. Art enriches lives, so as a viewer and a participant, it is absolutely invaluable," Krieger said.

Anderson said in addition to teaching the students how to master certain ballet techniques and shine on the stage, the Summer Intensive also coaches them to shine in life.

"Take up all of the space. Don't look around and try to be somebody else. With what you've got, make the pretty picture," Anderson said.

Here's what else to know about the Louisville Ballet Summer Intensive:

What is the Louisville Ballet Summer Intensive?

Aspiring dancers train like professionals, hone their technique, and build strength "within an inclusive, encouraging, and motivating environment," as members of the Louisville Ballet Summer Intensive, according to the description on the Louisville Ballet website.

Daily classes include Ballet, Pointe, Men’s Class, Variations, Partnering, and Conditioning plus complementary dance styles such as Modern, Musical Theater, Pilates and Yoga.

The program includes daily rehearsals culminating in a demonstration performance featuring original choreography by faculty and guest teachers, and excerpts from the Louisville Ballet repertoire.

The intensive is held across two campuses: The Louisville Ballet Center and The Louisville Ballet School. Find more details at louisvilleballet.org/intensive.

How can I enroll in the Louisville Ballet Summer Intensive? Do I have to audition?

Yes, auditions are required to join the summer intensive. Auditions may be submitted online through the Louisville Ballet's website or performed in person as Krieger travels the country on a summer intensive tour to seek the best dancers nationwide for the program.

"I saw probably 1,000 dancers," Krieger told the Courier Journal.

The 2024 class is at full capacity, made up of 114 dancers.

How much does the Louisville Ballet Summer Intensive cost?

The cost of the Louisville Ballet Summer Intensive, which lasts either two or four weeks depending on the group you audition into, varies, as there are some merit and financial aid scholarships available. Students may also choose to stay in the dorms at the school's campus, which adds an extra fee. For more cost information, refer to the ballet's website.

When do auditions begin for the 2025 Louisville Ballet Summer Intensive?

Auditions for the intensive begin in January 2025.

What Louisville Ballet shows can I see this year in Louisville?

The 2024-25 Louisville Ballet season includes "Shakespeare in the Park: Lady Lear," "Studio Connections," "Triple Take," "The Brown-Forman Nutcracker," 'A Time to Remember," "Choreographers' Showcase," and "Cinderella."

Subscription ticket packages for the Louisville Ballet's 2024-25 season are available at LouisvilleBallet.org. Current or new subscribers can purchase online or by calling the Louisville Ballet Box Office at 502-583-2623. Single tickets for 2024 and 2025 performances will be available at a later date.

Reach business reporter Bailey Reed at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville Ballet Summer Intensive: how to audition, cost, scholarship